From slow life to fast life
It’s safe to say that Akira Jacobs, who transferred from the University of Hawaii to Fordham University this season during his third year of college, has stepped into a new chapter in his life. Fordham University is on a steady winning streak with nine wins and four losses in non-conference games. Jacobs also contributed to the team as part of the starting lineup. His presence is more than what his average numbers of 6.6 points and 4.8 rebounds indicate, and he has established himself as a key player in both offense and defense in his new team.
While he has had to adapt on the court, it’s important to remember that there have been major changes in Jacobs’ daily life as well. In 2025, a 21-year-old young man moved from the everlasting summer of Hawaii to New York. “I came to New York for about two weeks in the spring, and then after the Asia Cup was over, I came back around the end of August. I live in a rented apartment near the university. It’s cold in New York (lol). It snows, too…”
It is easy to imagine that adjustments were needed in various ways. New York is described as “a city turned upside down,” and if you have a certain amount of money, time, and the will to have fun, there is plenty of entertainment available. Basketball is of course popular, and Jacobs seems to be finding some enjoyment in it as well.
“I love living here. It’s a lot of fun, and there’s a lot to do. There’s always a basketball game in New York, and a few days ago I went to Madison Square Garden to watch the University of Connecticut vs. the University of Florida.”
However, it may not be an easy environment for Jacobs, who has a laid-back (easy-going) personality to begin with. In Hawaii, he was always close to the ocean, and he even happily told me that he had taken up stand-up paddleboarding as a hobby. On the other hand, people in New York are also often impatient, which is a big difference from the people living on the southern islands. “The atmosphere of the people is really the opposite. In Hawaii, it’s relaxed and slow. In New York, everything is fast. Even at school, in New York, it’s like, ‘I’ll finish this by this time.’ In Hawaii, it’s like, ‘I’ll just finish here.'” (laughs)
Always positive, Jacobs has the courage to accept any situation. However, the intense climate unique to the East Coast of the United States seemed to be a bit of a problem. Apparently, the bad weather continued for a while and he felt a little depressed. “I was wondering why I was feeling gloomy, and someone told me, “Isn’t it because the sun hasn’t come out for about a week?” and I thought, “Oh, I guess so.” In Hawaii, it’s like sunshine and rainbows every day (lol).But lately, I’ve gotten used to it, and if I take vitamins, I’ll be fine.”
Strong bonds built with trusted friends
It’s probably not an easy adjustment, but it’s probably a good learning experience. Even if it’s not the best fit, there are things you can gain by putting yourself in such an environment. Especially when we are young, we tend to try to distance ourselves from things that are important to us and that we are good at, even if only temporarily. The intelligent Jacobs may have thought so too.
“I think it’s great to be able to experience both Hawaii and New York.” As he himself said, there is sure to be something that can be learned from this difficult time of rapid change, both as a basketball player and as a human being. Conference games for the Atlantic 10 Conference begin on December 31st against Dayton. Fordham University has had a decent winning percentage so far, but the level of their opponents will increase from now on. Jacobs’ strength will be needed even more, and at the same time, his chemistry with his teammates will of course become more important.
“In the end, what’s important is not the place, but the people around me. Even if I’m not doing anything special, everyone around me is nice, so it’s fun to be around my teammates.In that sense, I absolutely love living in New York.”
How strong a bond can you build with your trusted friends and how much can you improve each other? Will he be able to gradually get used to the new city and show his true potential on the court? My days in the so-called “Big Apple” are approaching half a year, and I guess I’m about to start enjoying it even more.
However, no matter how much time he spends in New York from now on, there is no doubt that Jacobs’ commoner side will never change. When I asked people about their favorite New York meals, their answers weren’t about their favorite restaurants. The fact that he chose a neighborhood deli (a small supermarket-like shop where you can eat mainly prepared foods) as his favorite spot seemed symbolic. “Ram’s Deli & Pizza, which is right next to my apartment, is delicious! I often go there when I’m hungry. My favorite New York food is chopped cheese! If you say, “Let me get a chopped cheese!,” they’ll give you something delicious. You can find anything at the deli, so that’s what I like about New York (lol).
Jacobs, who prefers easy sandwiches with minced meat and cheese, is a proper New Yorker. The only thing left to do is accumulate many experiences in this city and grow. I’m looking forward to seeing how much he has grown as a basketball player in a year or two from now. At the same time, I am intrigued to see how they are beginning to express life in the big city, which is so striking.
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